Energy Benchmarking Requirements Throughout California: A City-by-City Guide
California has long been at the forefront of environmental policy, setting pioneering goals for energy efficiency and sustainability. One of the key tools driving this progress is energy benchmarking, a practice that tracks and assesses a building’s energy use over time. Mandated by state law AB802 and reinforced by city-specific ordinances in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose. Energy benchmarking within these cities plays a vital role in meeting climate goals and driving down energy costs for property owners.
In this article, we'll break down the energy benchmarking requirements across major California cities, what AB802 entails, and how you can ensure compliance to avoid fines and improve building performance.
What is Energy Benchmarking?
Energy benchmarking is the process of tracking a building's energy use and comparing it against other buildings similar purpose. It involves using a platform like the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager to record data such as electricity, natural gas, and water usage.
Benchmarking helps property owners:
Understand energy consumption trends
Identify inefficiencies and waste
Make informed retrofit decisions
Comply with local regulations
California State Law: AB802
AB802, signed into law in 2015, created California’s first statewide benchmarking and transparency program for buildings. Managed by the California Energy Commission (CEC), it requires owners of commercial and multifamily buildings over 50,000 square feet to:
Benchmark energy use annually using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
Submit benchmarking data to the CEC by June 1st of each year
The intent behind AB802 is to give owners, tenants, and policymakers better insight into building energy performance and to encourage improvements.
Who Must Comply:
Commercial buildings >50,000 sq. ft.
Multifamily buildings >50,000 sq. ft. with 17+ utility accounts
Noncompliance can result in fines and public disclosure of poor performance.
Los Angeles Energy Benchmarking Requirements
The City of Los Angeles has implemented a more stringent policy known as the Existing Buildings Energy and Water Efficiency (EBEWE) Ordinance. It aligns with AB802 but adds additional layers:
Key Requirements:
Annual benchmarking for buildings >20,000 sq. ft.
Data submission through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
Performance and/or audit requirements every five years
Los Angeles building owners must also complete an Energy and Water Efficiency Audit or Retro-Commissioning (RCx) depending on their performance scores.
Deadline:
Benchmarking due by June 1st each year
Phase II (Audit/RCx) deadlines vary based on building size and performance
San Francisco Energy Benchmarking Requirements
San Francisco's Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance was one of the first in the country. It goes beyond AB802 by:
Requirements:
Benchmarking annually for commercial buildings >10,000 sq. ft.
Public disclosure of energy performance data
Energy audits every five years following ASHRAE Level I or II standards
San Francisco also supports property owners with city resources to help fund energy efficiency improvements.
Deadline:
Annual benchmarking reports due April 1st
Late submissions can incur escalating fines and may impact a building's market perception.
San Jose Energy Benchmarking Requirements
San Jose’s Energy and Water Building Performance Ordinance requires benchmarking and transparency similar to AB802, but it applies to smaller buildings as well:
Requirements:
Commercial and multifamily buildings >20,000 sq. ft.
Annual benchmarking and energy data reporting
Public disclosure of energy use information
San Jose also emphasizes water benchmarking, and certain buildings may be required to undergo audits or performance verification depending on their energy performance.
Deadline:
Benchmarking reports due by June 1st annually
Why Benchmarking Matters
Benchmarking isn’t just about avoiding fines — it offers measurable value:
Reduced Operating Costs: Identifying inefficiencies can lead to significant savings.
Market Advantage: Energy-efficient buildings are more attractive to tenants and investors.
Regulatory Compliance: Avoid penalties and protect your reputation.
Environmental Impact: Reducing energy consumption helps achieve California’s climate goals.
How to Stay Compliant
To stay compliant with AB802 and local benchmarking laws:
Create an ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Account
Gather utility data for the previous calendar year
Enter and verify data by the deadline specific to your city
Submit the report to the appropriate city or state agency
Keep documentation in case of audits or data verification requests
Partnering with a professional can simplify the process and ensure data accuracy. At Inland Empire Energy, we specialize in energy audits, benchmarking assistance, and compliance consulting across California.
Conclusion: Take Benchmarking Seriously
Whether your building is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, or elsewhere in California, energy benchmarking is not optional. AB802 sets the foundation, and local laws build upon it with stricter thresholds and performance standards.
If you're overwhelmed or unsure where to start, our team can help. We provide full-service support for statewide benchmarking under AB802.
Contact us today!
